Traditional mud houses in Kenya have largely been abandoned because most Kenyans now prefer modern materials and architectural designs. But a few designers are trying to revitalize these old-style houses by infusing them with contemporary elements and enhanced features.
Boss Yator, a construction expert, recently shared some images of an enhanced mud house that has sparked some excitement among Kenyans. He maintains that the house is ‘bulletproof’ due to the materials used in the construction process. “The mud is mixed with sand and a little cement before being laid on the superstructure wall, hence it has been proven to stop penetration of bullets by reducing its velocity or absorbing it completely,” he explained.
The house has an earthen exterior finish and features wooden columns that provide structural support. Its design incorporates windows of various shapes and sizes, including rectangles, squares, circles, and some irregular forms, allowing ample natural light to flood the interior.
To enhance stability, the foundation wall is layered with stones. As for the roof, Yator explained that it is thatched, contributing to the overall traditional aesthetic.
The house features a wooden ceiling and staircase. The open kitchen offers essential amenities. The house is fully wired for electricity, accommodating various appliances, including a ceiling fan.
Yator pointed out that these houses are not only cost-effective, being around 50 percent cheaper than conventional construction, but also eco-friendly, making them an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners.
Yator is currently working on a two-story building using the same construction technique. The end result will be a mud house with a white and brown exterior finish, featuring a balcony on the top floor.
I love this fusion of traditional construction and modern impressions.
I’ve been playing with a similar idea, and this gives a lot of new inputs and inspiration 😊
Would be cool if plans for these homes were made available in a earthbag style.
Yes, I agree.
“I love how you’ve managed to seamlessly blend modern design elements with the natural surroundings. It’s a perfect example of how a home can coexist harmoniously with its environment. Great job!”
And the best part must be that they incorporated the climate and cultures of the area into the design